At McGraths Hill Learning Centre we believe early childhood years are the most vital of a persons life. Therefore, we regard this as an important time to promote growth and development in all areas of wellbeing. We encourage growth of the “whole” child as we believe the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive abilities are deeply intertwined and are equally important in ensuring a child’s well-being, learning and growth.

We offer a secure and safe environment where curiosity is encouraged, ideas are explored, and discovery is celebrated. We set the stage for your little one to achieve their best. 

We have created a sensory rich learning environment for your child that will encourage your child’s sense of discovery, build confidence, support self-expression and an excitement to learn. Every child is unique, so we work with you to tailor every part of your child’s experience from their learning style to dietary requirements. 

McGraths Hill Learning Centre remains a family owned and operated long day care in the Hawkesbury.  Our Centres are built on a wealth of knowledge and many years of experience by both educators and management alike.

At McGraths Hill Learning Centre, we believe that childhood is a fundamental stage of a person’s life to be valued and enjoyed. This is a crucial time where foundations are laid for future growth. We believe that Play shapes the architecture of the brain in unique ways, it links social, creative and cognitive skills. We aim to provide a service that is warm, inviting and welcoming to all children and their families.

“Children thrive when families and educators work together in partnership to support young children’s learning” (Early Years Learning Framework, 2009)

We believe relationships are the positive interactions and learning potentials. Authentic and respectful relationships are essential to our service and guides all our policies and practices. We strongly believe families are the children’s first teachers and involvement is valued and encouraged as an important part of our program. We embrace diversity and respond to changing individual and family needs. We believe in the importance of building relationships with the families and working in partnerships to ensure there is consistency between school and home life. Communication with families is crucial which promotes continuity of care and a sense of belonging, being and becoming.

‘Play is nationally and internationally valued for its contribution to young children’s lives and learning (Early Childhood Australia).

At McGraths Hill Learning Centre, we believe play facilitates children’s development. We are committed to providing a play-based program rich in meaningful experiences and positive interactions where the children can explore their environment and further enhance their development. All children are viewed as active participants and decision makers in their learning. We value their voices and opinions and incorporate this in our reflective practice.

Our educators aim to establish the foundations for children’s positive lifelong learning. We are committed to providing high expectations for all children’s learning and developmental capabilities, recognizing that all children learn and develop in their own unique way. We support children in the notions of Belonging to the children environment, Being in the moment and Becoming the best they can be.

We believe in the concept that children’s learning and development is fostered through our large natural environment and connection with nature. We aim to provide an environmentally pleasing space that is rich in possibilities and an area where children can feel a sense of ownership and agency. We believe the environment will shape the children as they develop their own sense of wellbeing and self-esteem. We encompass children and adults views and ideas about sustainability of the environment.

At McGraths Hill Learning Centre, we believe the children belong to a wider community and we aim to provide a unique presence as part of the local McGraths Hill community. We encompass all cultures and respect the diversity of the community incorporating all aspects into our teaching program. We believe children learn about themselves and construct their own identity within the context of their families and communities.

“All children have the best start in life to create a better future for themselves and for the nation” (Early Years Learning Framework)

At McGraths Hill Learning Centre we believe in the importance of children developing relationships within their local communities. Our local community is very tight knit with many families recommending family and friends to our centre. The centre is situated on a quiet no through road allowing the educators to take the children on community walks regularly.

We also do the following to connect with our local community;

• Invite our local firefighters, police, and SES to visit us.
• We hold regular Open Days & Family Fun Days to gather our community.
• We liaise with our local primary schools to ensure a smooth transition for our children.
• We liaise with inclusion support agencies in our local community.
• We invite Aboriginal & Torres Strait elders to our service.
• Our Educators and Children partake in an Acknowledgement of Country daily.
• We have our very own street library to encourage families to borrow and lend books.